Values & Benefits of Accreditation

Details

Accreditation Levels I & II

Accreditation Promotes Quality

Accreditation Level I is a ruler against which service providers can measure the quality of their services because it defines quality in relation to services. For example, it describes concrete components of quality that are specific to individuals accessing service and not just generic services for groups of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Accreditation Level II represents a higher level of quality than the province's regulations for service provision, which address minimal health and safety standards. As a result, accredited providers can be proud to offer Accreditation Level II as the benchmark that individuals accessing service and their natural supports deserve.

Accreditation Promotes Risk Management

The CET Accreditation Standards were created with a focus on quality of life for individuals accessing service, which is not quality unless it also has a process for evaluating and managing risk. Accreditation helps providers review the processes they have in place to manage risk and learn how to ensure their processes meet best practice in the field.

Accreditation Helps Providers Increase Knowledge

Accreditation Level I gives providers - whether they are new in the field or have years of experience - opportunities to help staff learn more about the field and how the services they provide are both meaningful and measure up to provincial standards.

Accreditation Level II helps providers increase their knowledge of the field as they develop a higher level of goals to improve and enhance their services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Accreditation Enhances Professionalism within the Field

Professionals in the field of Community Disability Services require special skills both to work in the field and to relate to accredited professionals in other fields. Accreditation, especially at Level II, helps providers strive to achieve the highest level of professionalism possible.

Accreditation Boosts Morale and Self-Esteem

Accreditation tells providers and their workers that they are doing things well and that they are "on the right track," which helps them to feel good about their work and their organization. This boost in morale and self-esteem is ultimately felt by the individuals accessing service, support networks, and other stakeholders. Improved morale can also help providers retain staff longer.

Accreditation Generates Enthusiasm and Excitement

Accreditation is a good tool to prevent apathy and to spark enthusiasm. Because accreditation presents providers with a challenge, and a greater challenge at Level II, it can get them excited about what they are doing and accomplishing. For instance, re-reading the accreditation study guide can renew staff's zeal for giving individuals accessing service their best. In addition, enthusiasm and excitement are transferable qualities that can "rub off" on the individuals and other stakeholders.

Accreditation Encourages Ongoing Training

Because accreditation's self-study process adds to the provider's knowledge, it can also peak its interest in obtaining further training in all aspects of its service. For example, when a provider addresses how it supports individuals accessing service with training and counselling, it may also identify areas where its staff could take training to provide better support in these areas.

Accreditation Level II

Helps Providers Become Leaders in the Field

Accreditation Level II can inspire providers to increase their involvement in Community Disability issues by getting them to think about joining or starting up support networks and about meeting and networking with other accredited providers (locally, provincially, nationally). Acting on these thoughts will, in turn, foster confidence and increase their visibility as leaders in the field and as mentors for providers going through the accreditation process.

Can be Used as a Marketing Tool

Persons with disabilities and their families and guardians want quality services and they've learned how to clue into marketing strategies that don't deliver. Accredited providers can use Accreditation Level II as a marketing tool to prove to prospective clients and their parents and/or guardians that its services and supports can deliver what is promised.